Chapter 339 Mutiny

Yue Ziang bowed his head to offer a toast, continuing to apologize.

Under the joking and mediating influence of Li Zhengyan, Wang Junzhi, and others, Ouyang Rong

He raised his glass and took a sip.

Yue Ziang on the other side breathed a sigh of relief.

Ouyang Rong's expression remained unchanged, but he was somewhat surprised.

He wasn't joking; he genuinely hoped Yue Zi'ang would continue to be more unruly.

But now this is how he apologizes.

This is very unlike Yue Zi'ang.

Something unusual must be going on.

He noticed someone in the next seat staring at him, as if they were staring intently at him.

Ouyang Rong turned his head and saw that it was Young Master Zhu, whom he had met once before.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, his seat was next to Ouyang Rong.

“Prefect Ouyang, I am Zhu Yuheng. I have long admired your name. I witnessed your elegance at the birthday banquet of the Xie family’s daughter. I wonder if you remember me.”

Zhu Yuheng toasted Ouyang Rong.

Ouyang Rong nodded:

"Of course I remember, it's just a pity that my embarrassing behavior that day made Young Master Zhu and the other guests at the banquet laugh at me."

"How could you say I'm laughing at you? I'm more than envious!"

"Prefect Ouyang passed the imperial examination at a young age and became famous before he was twenty. He won the favor of the noble ladies of five families and was recognized by the Xie family of Chen Commandery, thus winning the heart of a beauty..."

“Prefect Ouyang has no idea how much the talented young men who attended the banquet that day admired you.”

Zhu Yuheng sighed.

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Rong sized up the eldest son of the Hongzhou Governor's Mansion.

This man was tall and strong, with a wheat-colored complexion from years of sun exposure, yet he wore a white robe that was as white as snow, which seemed rather incongruous and pretentious.

Ouyang Rong noticed that Zhu Yuheng had some calluses on the tiger's mouth (the area between his thumb and forefinger).

Ouyang Rong had seen this characteristic before with Qin Heng.

It's caused by the habit of holding the reins for too long.

He judged that the young man was not just a spoiled brat, but must have had military experience.

However, most scholars of the Daqian and Dazhou dynasties were full of martial virtue, riding horses to the frontier to fight on the battlefield, and dismounting to drink wine and compose poems.

In addition, there was the way his father, Zhu Lingxu, made his fortune as a military officer on the frontier.

Like father, like son; it's not surprising.

Ouyang Rong nodded slightly.

Since the reigns of Emperor Taizong and Emperor Gaozong, the country's strength and territory have been on the rise.

Joining the army to expand territory and earn merit for promotion is, in the minds of ambitious young men, the path to advancement second only to the imperial examination.

However, by the time the Great Zhou Dynasty was ruled by an empress, territorial expansion had slowed down and even suffered setbacks, as exemplified by the Yingzhou Rebellion...

Ouyang Rong replied calmly:

"Young Master Zhu doesn't seem like someone who envies others."

Zhu Yuheng shook his head and lowered his voice, saying:

"I also admire Chief Secretary Ouyang."

"oh?"

He said, word by word, "The fact that Chief Secretary Ouyang is valued by the Prince of Xunyang and his heir, and treated as a guest of honor in their inner circle, is a true testament to his abilities."

Ouyang Rong remained silent, glancing at Yue Ziang across from him.

He brought the person with him, and Zhu Yuheng must have learned some details from Yue Zi'ang.

For example, last time at Yunshui Pavilion, Yue Zi'ang witnessed Ouyang Rong and Li Dalang chatting and laughing intimately.

"It's just a misunderstanding, I don't deserve such praise. As everyone knows, the Prince of Xunyang is respectful to scholars and talents, and this respect extends beyond just me."

Zhu Yuheng was slightly taken aback, then smiled.

He offered a toast with a slightly apologetic expression.

Seeing the unspoken understanding in Zhu's eyes, Ouyang Rong felt a slight headache.

The influence of the Prince of Xunyang, formerly the deposed emperor of the Great Gan dynasty, was far greater than he had imagined.

He was the crown prince appointed by Emperor Gojong before his death, the legal successor of Daegan, and the elder brother of Prince Sang-ri-lun.

At the same time, it is one of the two direct descendants of the Li clan who received the most favor from Emperor Taizong and Emperor Gaozong.

One of the biggest brands.

Scholars from all over the world, both openly and secretly, flocked to him.

Like a firefly in a dark room, it attracts talented people.

Ouyang Rong suddenly heard Zhu Yuheng sigh:

"To be honest, I also sent a letter to the Prince of Xunyang's residence on behalf of my father, hoping to visit the Prince and invite the young master to travel to Mount Lu. Unfortunately, the Prince and the young master are very busy, and I am of low status, so I have been waiting since before the New Year..."

As Zhu Yuheng poured out his grievances, he glanced at someone without making a sound.

Ouyang Rong's reaction was lukewarm.

Seemingly dizzy from drinking, he gently patted his flushed cheeks and put down his glass.

He lowered his eyes, pulled out his chopsticks, and picked up some food to sober up.

As the chief strategist of the Xunyang Prince's Mansion, he was the "outsider" whose words carried the most weight in front of Li Xian and his son Li Fusu.

A person who monopolizes access to personal networks and resources.

Ouyang Rong inevitably experienced the essence of something called power.

What is power?

From a certain perspective, power is a social node.

The reason why Li Zhengyan, Zhu Yuheng, and others sought opportunities to approach him was because they were kind, approachable, and treated him with utmost sincerity.

Isn't it precisely because he was the key figure in establishing connections with the Prince of Xunyang's family?

Li Zhengyan, as a long-established Guanlong nobleman who inherited the title of Duke of Ying, was known for his generosity, magnanimity, and unconventional style.

However, having grown up within this system since childhood, he is both shrewd and meticulous, deeply understanding how power operates, and also the rules of this era.

He knew that when he came to a place and wanted to do something, he needed to find the most useful person, that is, the social node.

Whether you're talking about money or feelings, both must be applied to the right people.

Thus, when Li Zhengyan and his group were still far away in the capital, they noticed Ouyang Rong and, following the clues, first found Xie Xun and Shen Xisheng.

This process is incredibly precise.

Unfortunately, this time they encountered Ouyang Rong, who was unyielding and clear-headed.

Recommended by teachers and elders, and as guests from afar, we can offer them a warm welcome.

Discussing introductions? Wait, what kind of wine is this? It's managed to make me, who can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, slightly tipsy...

When Zhu Yuheng approached Ouyang Rong to strike up a conversation, many people at the banquet quietly stopped eating and listened intently.

At this moment, because Ouyang Rong remained silent with a smile, to prevent Zhu Yuheng from feeling awkward, Wang Junzhi interjected with a smile and asked:

"Brother Zhu, what is the purpose of your father's request for you to visit the Prince of Xunyang?"

Zhu Yuheng immediately said:

"Back in the reign of Emperor Gaozong, when the Prince of Xunyang served as Crown Prince and regent, he presided over the bestowal of military merits and promoted my father to Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices."

“I will never forget your kindness in recognizing my talent. I recently heard that the Prince of Xunyang is unwell, and I was very worried. So I searched for precious medicinal herbs and sent them to you.”

Ouyang Rong couldn't help but twitch his lips.

Good heavens, when the Li family was demoted to commoners and lived in seclusion in Longcheng, why didn't your Zhu family send medicine to repay their kindness?

Is it temporary amnesia?

Now that you've been reinstated as the Prince of Xunyang and gained the right to compete for the crown prince position, your father, Zhu Lingxu, must have remembered you immediately, right?

However, after seeing Zhu Yuheng's spirited expression and his reddened eyes, deeply moved by his father's unwavering loyalty to his ruler, Ouyang Rong couldn't help but feel uneasy.

For a moment, it was unclear whether this young master Zhu was feigning ignorance or genuinely foolish.

No, bro, it's fine to fool your friends, but don't fool yourself. It's no big deal if you fool me a little, I can just laugh it off, but you…

Ouyang Rong thought to himself, but soon realized that perhaps it was because of the different eras they grew up in, the other people at the banquet seemed to really like this narrative of the relationship between ruler and subject.

They were all impressed and full of praise.

"Commander Zhu is truly a loyal minister in times of turmoil, a role model for us all," Yue Zi'ang exclaimed excitedly.

“If all the court officials were like Governor Zhu, how could the Wei family, those villains, have become so powerful?” Du Shuqing, who was usually taciturn, said matter-of-factly.

“Like father, like son. Brother Zhu is so young yet so righteous. He is truly a hero.” Wang Junzhi nodded earnestly.

Li Zhengyan nodded solemnly and raised his glass to everyone: "Come, let's toast to Master Zhu and Young Master Zhu."

Everyone at the banquet raised their glasses and drank together.

Like Yue Zi'ang, he was able to gain praise and recognition from Li Zhengyan and other "exiled celebrities" whom he had long admired.

Zhu Yuheng's face was flushed. He took a few deep breaths, his hand trembling slightly as he raised his wine glass, tilted his head back, and drank it with gusto.

Aside from one person quietly picking up food, the atmosphere at the table grew increasingly lively.

Wang Junzhi asked curiously:

"Brother Zhu, you seem to have the air of a military officer. Have you ever served in the army?"

Li Zhengyan, Du Shuqing, and others glanced sideways.

Zhu Yuheng nodded, and Yue Ziang, sitting opposite him, interjected with a smile:

"Dr. Wang's saying 'Like father, like son' is absolutely true. It is due to the family tradition of the Governor of Hongzhou. Brother Yuheng has practiced martial arts since childhood, is proficient in archery, horsemanship and archery, and is also well-versed in military books."

"Unlike those playboy sons who only know how to enjoy themselves, Brother Yuheng was sent to the Longyou army by Governor Zhu at the age of sixteen. He started as a scout and rose all the way to the rank of captain..."

"At present, Brother Yuheng has been transferred back to Jiangnan Circuit. After this holiday, he will report to the Fourth Zhechong Prefecture in Hongzhou."

"Just like Prefect Ouyang, he is truly a dragon among men," Wang Junzhi praised.

Ouyang Rong raised an eyebrow slightly and glanced at Zhu Yuheng a few more times.

Although his rapid promotion may have been aided by his father's connections in the military, this young master Zhu seems to have some substance compared to those good-for-nothing sons of the powerful.

He's just a bit too impulsive and hot-blooded, similar to Yue Zi'ang. I don't know if it's because like attracts like, or because one is influenced by one's surroundings.

Du Shuqing suddenly said:

"Oh, Brother Zhu, you also came from a scout background on the border of Longyou Road? I wonder which military town you were from, which garrison you belonged to, and what your unit number was..."

"Is Brother Du also here?"

Zhu Yuheng's eyes lit up, and he gave a number as if they were acquaintances. Du Shuqing nodded and they started chatting.

During this time, Li Zhengyan, as the leader of the group, also spoke up.

It seems that he inherited the title of Duke of England from his grandfather and father, who were both high-ranking military officials.

Li Zhengyan was also familiar with the border troops of Longyou Road. With just a few words, he revealed so much information that Zhu Yuheng was impressed. His eyes were filled with admiration, and he frequently offered Zhu Yuheng a toast.

"Mr. Li, your grandfather was a role model in my heart, someone I deeply admired." Zhu Yuheng exclaimed.

"Duke Lao Ying served under three emperors—Gaozu, Taizong, and Gaozong—throughout his life. He was a general and a prime minister, and his meritorious service was outstanding. The court relied on him as a pillar of the state, and he was granted the title of Duke. This is truly the highest honor for us men who aspire to serve in the military."

Li Zhengyan tilted his head back and took a sip of wine, his tone indifferent:

“It’s all in the past. Besides, what does the glory of our ancestors have to do with me? My grandfather actually disliked me the most, and bluntly said that I was a disgrace to the family. I don’t want to share in his glory, so let’s not talk about it.”

Zhu Yuheng was taken aback, then chuckled awkwardly:

"Actually, all the old men in the family say this about their sons. My father often criticizes me for being outspoken and impulsive, saying that one day I will ruin the family and burden him. Just listen to these words and don't take them seriously, Mr. Li."

Li Zhengyan nodded and smiled faintly, then turned his head to exchange a glance with Ouyang Rong, who was looking at him sideways, before raising their glasses to drink together.

Since the change of government from Gan to Zhou, the Wei clan has frequently intervened in the military in recent years, resulting in the reassignment of a large number of military nobles from Guanzhong. New regulations have also been issued continuously.

Perhaps because they were all military personnel, Li Zhengyan, Zhu Yuheng, Du Shuqing, and others had a lot to talk about.

Furthermore, the latter two began to bitterly mention the shortcomings of the military since the reign of Emperor Wei Zhou.

He grumbled, reminiscing about the exciting years of pioneering and expanding the territory.

The more Ouyang Rong listened, the more he realized that there was a reason why Yue Zi'ang and Zhu Yuheng could get together with extreme conservatives like Li Zhengyan, Du Shuqing, and Wang Junzhi.

Zhu Lingxu's reprimand of Zhu Yuheng was not without reason.

Ouyang Rong became increasingly daring as he listened to the topics being discussed at the banquet.

The only question is, why bring along someone as honest and unassuming as him who doesn't discuss state affairs?

Is it because everyone knows he represents the Xunyang Prince's Mansion?

Ouyang Rong's lips twitched slightly, somewhat speechless.

Continue to obediently bury your head in your drink.

I think it would be better to get even more drunk.

Just then, a series of rapid footsteps suddenly came from outside the door, along with the clanging of metal objects such as waist knives caused by the people running so fast.

The banquet hall fell silent instantly.

Thump—!

Ping-pong!

A crisp sound of a wine glass hitting the ground echoed throughout the hall.

Ignoring the familiar commotion outside, Ouyang Rong immediately glanced to the side, observing the expressions on everyone's faces out of the corner of his eye.

Li Zhengyan and Wei Shaoqi remained calm, one picking up food and the other drinking wine, as usual.

Du Shuqing had stood up at some point, his hand inside his sleeve, his eyes fixed on the doorway.

Zhu Yuheng's hand, which was holding a glass, froze in mid-air as he frowned in confusion and looked toward the door.

Wang Junzhi, on the other hand, also turned his gaze to Ouyang Rong.

Their eyes met in mid-air.

They looked at each other for a moment.

Wang Junzhi smiled, looked away, took out a pure white handkerchief from his sleeve, and thoughtfully handed it to Yue Ziang beside him.

"Watch out for your footing."

"Thank you... thank you Junzhi."

Yue Ziang quickly took the handkerchief.

Ouyang Rong moved his gaze downwards and glanced at it.

Beside Yue Ziang's feet, a bronze wine cup lay tilted on the ground, its murky liquid staining a large area of ​​the floor. He was bending over, hastily wiping the floor.

It turned out that his hand was shaking and the wine glass had fallen to the ground.

"Your Excellency!"

At that moment, Ouyang Rong's familiar footsteps arrived at the door, and Yan Liulang led a group of constables into the hall.

Ignoring Li Zhengyan and the others, Yan Liulang nervously passed by them, quickly leaned close to Ouyang Rong, and whispered a few words in his ear.

He speaks extremely fast.

Li Zhengyan, Wei Shaoqi, Wang Junzhi, and the others exchanged glances, their faces showing curiosity.

Immediately, they saw Ouyang Lianghan, who had been drinking alone in the center of the hall, gradually tense up and slowly raise his head.

The next instant, he suddenly stood up.

The usually gentle and polite prefect, barely twenty years old, whipped his sleeves and loudly rebuked:

"Lan Changhao deserves to die!"

Ouyang Rong puffed out his cheeks, ignored everyone, and strode away with his head held high. Yan Liulang and the others quickly followed. Li Zhengyan and the others faintly heard Yan Liulang lower his voice and ask:

"My lord, this incident involves Jiangzhou. What should we do now?"

Ouyang Rong strode out the door without looking back, leaving behind a single sentence:

"Why are you asking me? Ask Zhu Lingxu and Wang Lengran!"

His tone was as cold as winter frost.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuheng, who had initially breathed a sigh of relief, suddenly looked surprised and uncertain. "Ah, Father?"

Li Zhengyan and the others also looked at him with suspicion.

The confusion didn't last long. Ouyang Rong had only been gone a short while when well-informed guests rushed over to tell him.

An urgent message arrived in Jiangzhou from the western border of Lingnan Circuit:

On the fifteenth day of the fourth month of the second year of Tianyou, Guizhou became the capital.

More than 1,500 garrison soldiers from Hongzhou and Jiangzhou, whose border defense was delayed and who had no hope of returning home, mutinied. They killed the supervising officers in public, elected a popular leader, and rebelled to return north.

More than 1,500 brave and valiant garrison soldiers, filled with righteous indignation, have left Guizhou and are on their way home...

(End of this chapter)